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Art Director Salary in Portland, ME

How much does a art director make in Portland? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Portland's cost of living.

Median Salary
$87,787
per year in Portland
Entry Level
$51,209
Starting salary
Senior Level
$128,022
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
119
19% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how art director salaries break down across different pay periods in Portland.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$51,209$87,787$128,022
Monthly$4,267$7,316$10,669
Biweekly$1,970$3,376$4,924
Weekly$985$1,688$2,462
Hourly$25$42$62

Portland vs National Average

How Portland's art director salaries compare to national figures.

Portland Salary
$87,787
COL Index: 119
National Average
$83,830
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$3,957
Higher in Portland

Cost of Living in Portland

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$59,234
per year
Population
68,408
residents
Rent % of Income
33.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 119 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Portland have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Art Director

Overview

Direct the visual style and design of creative projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art, Design, or related field

Key Skills

Visual DesignLeadershipCreativityProject Management

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Art Director Salary

See Art Director salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$136,850
+56%
Los Angeles, CA
$133,550
+52%
Chicago, IL
$102,380
+17%
Houston, TX
$77,840
-11%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,250
+4%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Art Director Salary in Portland, ME — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a art director in Portland, ME is $87,787 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 119. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Portland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level art director professionals in Portland can expect to earn around $51,209 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level art directors earning approximately $128,022 per year. This represents a 150% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Portland's cost of living index of 119 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Portland are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $83,830, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a art director's salary in Portland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 22.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Art Directors are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Portland, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.